\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

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sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Learn Spanish in Bogotá

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Rated 5 out of 5
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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

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For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

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hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture is a project to show places from a happiness perspective.

We want highlight and bring together all the amazing things from the places that are dear to us!

Join our community, comment and share!!

Do you want to advertise in our newspaper? /¿Quiere publicar su anuncio en nuestro periódico?

sales@colture.co

For other things / Para otros asuntos

hello@colture.co

Whee Institute + Colture

Learn Spanish in Bogotá

Learn Spanish in Colombia
Rated 5 out of 5
Fastest growing spanish School in Colombia

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

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Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

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Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n

What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maps
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Climbing
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sunrise
\u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Path
\u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"El
\u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Places
\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\"Where
\u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

\n
  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Maps
    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Climbing
    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Sunrise
    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Path
    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
    \"Places
    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
    \"Places
    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"El
    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"El
    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Places
    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
    \"Where
    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

    \n

    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Maps
      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \"Climbing
      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \"Sunrise
      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Path
      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
      \"Places
      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
      \"Places
      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"El
      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"El
      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Places
      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
      \"Where
      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

      \n

      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Maps
        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \"Climbing
        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \"Sunrise
        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Path
        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
        \"Places
        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
        \"Places
        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"El
        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"El
        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \"Places
        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
        \"Where
        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

        \n
        \"Where
        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"Maps
          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \"Climbing
          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \"Sunrise
          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"Path
          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
          \"Places
          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
          \"Places
          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"El
          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"El
          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"Places
          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
          \"Where
          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

          \n

          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"Where
          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"Maps
            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \"Climbing
            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \"Sunrise
            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"Path
            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
            \"Places
            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
            \"Places
            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"El
            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"El
            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"Places
            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
            \"Where
            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

            \n

            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"Where
            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"Maps
              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \"Climbing
              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \"Sunrise
              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"Path
              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
              \"Places
              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
              \"Places
              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"El
              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"El
              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"Places
              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
              \"Where
              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

              \n

              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"Where
              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"Maps
                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \"Climbing
                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \"Sunrise
                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"Path
                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                \"Places
                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                \"Places
                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"El
                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"El
                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"Places
                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                \"Where
                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                \n
                \"Embalse
                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"Where
                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"Maps
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \"Climbing
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \"Sunrise
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"Path
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                  \"Places
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                  \"Places
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"El
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"El
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"Places
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                  \"Where
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                  \n

                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"Embalse
                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"Where
                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Maps
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \"Climbing
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \"Sunrise
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Path
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                    \"Places
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                    \"Places
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"El
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"El
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Places
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                    \"Where
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                    \n

                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Embalse
                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"Where
                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Maps
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Climbing
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Sunrise
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Path
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                      \"Places
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                      \"Places
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"El
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"El
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Places
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                      \"Where
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                      \n

                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Embalse
                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Where
                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"Maps
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \"Climbing
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \"Sunrise
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"Path
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                        \"Places
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                        \"Places
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"El
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"El
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"Places
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                        \"Where
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                        \n

                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"Embalse
                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"Where
                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"Maps
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          \"Climbing
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                          \"Sunrise
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"Path
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                          \"Places
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                          \"Places
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"El
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"El
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"Places
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                          \"Where
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                          \n

                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"Embalse
                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \"Where
                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Maps
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                            \"Climbing
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                            \"Sunrise
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Path
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                            \"Places
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                            \"Places
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"El
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"El
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Places
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                            \"Where
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                            \n
                            \"Even
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Embalse
                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"Where
                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Maps
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \"Climbing
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \"Sunrise
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Path
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                              \"Places
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                              \"Places
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"El
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"El
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Places
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                              \"Where
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                              \n

                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Even
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Embalse
                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \"Where
                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Maps
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                \"Climbing
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                \"Sunrise
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Path
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                \"Places
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                \"Places
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"El
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"El
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Places
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                \"Where
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                \n
                                \"Andean
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Even
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Embalse
                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"Where
                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Maps
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"Climbing
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"Sunrise
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Path
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                  \"Places
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                  \"Places
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"El
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"El
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Places
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                  \"Where
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                  \n

                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Andean
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Even
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Embalse
                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \"Where
                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Maps
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"Climbing
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"Sunrise
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Path
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                    \"Places
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                    \"Places
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"El
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"El
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Places
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                    \"Where
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                    \n
                                    \"Deers
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Andean
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Even
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Embalse
                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"Where
                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Maps
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      \"Climbing
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      \"Sunrise
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Path
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                      \"Places
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                      \"Places
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"El
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"El
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Places
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                      \"Where
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                      \n

                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Deers
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Andean
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Even
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Embalse
                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \"Where
                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Maps
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                        \"Climbing
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                        \"Sunrise
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Path
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                        \"Places
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                        \"Places
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"El
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"El
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Places
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                        \"Where
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                        \n

                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Deers
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Andean
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Even
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Embalse
                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"Where
                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Maps
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                          \"Climbing
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                          \"Sunrise
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Path
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                          \"Places
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                          \"Places
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"El
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"El
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Places
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                          \"Where
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                          \n

                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Deers
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Andean
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Even
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Embalse
                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \"Where
                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Maps
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                            \"Climbing
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                            \"Sunrise
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Path
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                            \"Places
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                            \"Places
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"El
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"El
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Places
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                            \"Where
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                            \n
                                            \"Alto
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Deers
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Andean
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Even
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Embalse
                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"Where
                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Maps
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                              \"Climbing
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                              \"Sunrise
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Path
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                              \"Places
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                              \"Places
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"El
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"El
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Places
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                              \"Where
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                              \n

                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Alto
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Deers
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Andean
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Even
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Embalse
                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \"Where
                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Maps
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                \"Climbing
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                \"Sunrise
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Path
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                \"Places
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                \"Places
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"El
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"El
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Places
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                \"Where
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                \n

                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Alto
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Deers
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Andean
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Even
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Embalse
                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"Where
                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Maps
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                  \"Climbing
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Path
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                  \"Places
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                  \"Places
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"El
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"El
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Places
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                  \"Where
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                  \n

                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Alto
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Deers
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Andean
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Even
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Embalse
                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \"Where
                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Maps
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \"Climbing
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Path
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                    \"Places
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                    \"Places
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"El
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"El
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Places
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \"Where
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                    \n

                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Alto
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Deers
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Andean
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Even
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Embalse
                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"Where
                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Maps
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \"Climbing
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Path
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                      \"Places
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                      \"Places
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"El
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"El
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Places
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                      \"Where
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                      \n

                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Alto
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Deers
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Andean
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Even
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Embalse
                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"Where
                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Maps
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \"Climbing
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Path
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                        \"Places
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                        \"Places
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"El
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"El
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Places
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \"Where
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                        \n

                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Alto
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Deers
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Andean
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Even
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Embalse
                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"Where
                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Maps
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \"Climbing
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Path
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                          \"Places
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                          \"Places
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"El
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"El
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Places
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                          \"Where
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                          \n

                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Alto
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Deers
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Andean
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Even
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Embalse
                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"Where
                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Maps
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                            \"Climbing
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Path
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                            \"Places
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                            \"Places
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"El
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"El
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Places
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                            \"Where
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                            \n

                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Alto
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Deers
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Andean
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Even
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Embalse
                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"Where
                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Maps
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                              \"Climbing
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Path
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                              \"Places
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                              \"Places
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"El
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"El
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Places
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                              \"Where
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                              \n

                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Alto
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Deers
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Andean
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Even
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Embalse
                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"Where
                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Maps
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Path
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                \"Places
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                \"Places
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"El
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"El
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Places
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                \"Where
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                \n
                                                                \"Wild
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Alto
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Deers
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Andean
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Even
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"Where
                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Path
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                  \"Places
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                  \"Places
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"El
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"El
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Places
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  \"Where
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                  \n

                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Even
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"Where
                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Path
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                    \"Places
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                    \"Places
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"El
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"El
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Places
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    \"Where
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                    \n

                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Even
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"Where
                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Path
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                      \"Places
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                      \"Places
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"El
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"El
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Places
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      \"Where
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                      \n
                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Even
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"Where
                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Path
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                        \"Places
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                        \"Places
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"El
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"El
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Places
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                        \"Where
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                        \n

                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Even
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"Where
                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Path
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                          \"Places
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                          \"Places
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"El
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"El
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Places
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                          \"Where
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                          \n

                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Even
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"Where
                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Path
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                            \"Places
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                            \"Places
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"El
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"El
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Places
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                            \"Where
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                            \n

                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Even
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"Where
                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Path
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                              \"Places
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                              \"Places
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"El
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"El
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Places
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                              \"Where
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                              \n
                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Even
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"Where
                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"El
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"El
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                \n

                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                  \n

                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                    \n

                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                      \n

                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                        \n

                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                          \n

                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                            \n

                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                              \n

                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                        \n

                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                              To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Attraction
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                                In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Attraction
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                  The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Attraction
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                    Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Attraction
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Attraction
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                        \"Map
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Attraction
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Map
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Attraction
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                              The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Map
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Attraction
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                                                Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Map
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                  Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Map
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                                    Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Map
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                      All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Map
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                        \n

                                                                                                                                        Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Map
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Map
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Map
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                \"best
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Map
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  \"best
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Map
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                                                    Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    \"best
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Map
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      \"best
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Map
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Map
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Map
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"best
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              \"best
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Map
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"best
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                \"best
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

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                                                                                                                                                                  R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
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                                                                                                                                                                  Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"best
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  \"best
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
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                                                                                                                                                                  \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                                                                    Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"best
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"best
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"best
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      \"best
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                          Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                              Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"best
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"best
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                 <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                   <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                  Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                     <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                    Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                       <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                      Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                      As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                         <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                        Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                        \n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                          Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                         <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                             <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Plaza
                                                                                                                                                                                            Plaza de Bol\u00edvar \u00a9 Photograph by Pedro Szeleky on Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A plaza is an open urban space, commonly located in political or geographic centers. Plazas are the main component of many cities and give life and foot traffic to their surroundings. It\u2019s because of these characteristics that plazas become centers in almost every sense; activities, protests, commerce, concerts, and other events all take place in plazas. They used to be constructed as a way of organizing the city and the headquarters of the state, but all plazas have changed throughout the years as their functions and surroundings have evolved, and the people that walk through them every day have changed too. But even so, plazas remain as cultural, architectural, social, and commercial hubs for their respective cities. 
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Plaza
                                                                                                                                                                                            Plaza de Bol\u00edvar \u00a9 Photograph by Pedro Szeleky on Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What is a \u2018plaza\u2019 in the first place?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A plaza is an open urban space, commonly located in political or geographic centers. Plazas are the main component of many cities and give life and foot traffic to their surroundings. It\u2019s because of these characteristics that plazas become centers in almost every sense; activities, protests, commerce, concerts, and other events all take place in plazas. They used to be constructed as a way of organizing the city and the headquarters of the state, but all plazas have changed throughout the years as their functions and surroundings have evolved, and the people that walk through them every day have changed too. But even so, plazas remain as cultural, architectural, social, and commercial hubs for their respective cities. 
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Plaza
                                                                                                                                                                                            Plaza de Bol\u00edvar \u00a9 Photograph by Pedro Szeleky on Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you have visited the center of Bogot\u00e1, then you know that one of its defining characteristics is the \u2018plaza\u2019, or urban square. It\u2019s the plaza and its surrounding colonial architecture that give Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center the vibe and aesthetic it has. Plazas are defining a city\u2019s identity and they become the heart of its land, but to see this yourself you\u2019ll have to visit different types of plazas. Luckily for you, I\u2019ve compiled a list of the most beautiful towns and plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 for you to escape to on a weekend.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What is a \u2018plaza\u2019 in the first place?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A plaza is an open urban space, commonly located in political or geographic centers. Plazas are the main component of many cities and give life and foot traffic to their surroundings. It\u2019s because of these characteristics that plazas become centers in almost every sense; activities, protests, commerce, concerts, and other events all take place in plazas. They used to be constructed as a way of organizing the city and the headquarters of the state, but all plazas have changed throughout the years as their functions and surroundings have evolved, and the people that walk through them every day have changed too. But even so, plazas remain as cultural, architectural, social, and commercial hubs for their respective cities. 
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Plaza
                                                                                                                                                                                            Plaza de Bol\u00edvar \u00a9 Photograph by Pedro Szeleky on Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center is one of the main tourist attractions of the city and it\u2019s a place that many fall in love with, as you can see in our articles about <\/strong>La Candelaria<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>monuments in Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/a>. What is it that makes this place so different from the rest of the city? There really can\u2019t be a better way to find an answer than visiting the plaza itself, and if fact, there are a lot of plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 as well. <\/strong>
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you have visited the center of Bogot\u00e1, then you know that one of its defining characteristics is the \u2018plaza\u2019, or urban square. It\u2019s the plaza and its surrounding colonial architecture that give Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center the vibe and aesthetic it has. Plazas are defining a city\u2019s identity and they become the heart of its land, but to see this yourself you\u2019ll have to visit different types of plazas. Luckily for you, I\u2019ve compiled a list of the most beautiful towns and plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 for you to escape to on a weekend.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What is a \u2018plaza\u2019 in the first place?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A plaza is an open urban space, commonly located in political or geographic centers. Plazas are the main component of many cities and give life and foot traffic to their surroundings. It\u2019s because of these characteristics that plazas become centers in almost every sense; activities, protests, commerce, concerts, and other events all take place in plazas. They used to be constructed as a way of organizing the city and the headquarters of the state, but all plazas have changed throughout the years as their functions and surroundings have evolved, and the people that walk through them every day have changed too. But even so, plazas remain as cultural, architectural, social, and commercial hubs for their respective cities. 
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Plaza
                                                                                                                                                                                            Plaza de Bol\u00edvar \u00a9 Photograph by Pedro Szeleky on Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                           <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Plazas to visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As I mentioned in the introduction, you need to visit different plazas to really understand what these urban spaces represent their cities and towns and how they impact their history. Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar has been home to lots of important historical events such as the cry for <\/a>i<\/a>ndependence<\/a> and El Bogotazo<\/a>. Not only that but to this day, all Colombian presidents are sworn in in this place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you\u2019ve already visited \u2018La Plaza de Bol\u00edvar<\/a>,\u2019 you know why it\u2019s so important and how it shapes Bogot\u00e1\u2019s center, but you may not fully understand how a plaza shapes an entire city. In a city of the size of Bogot\u00e1, one plaza alone can\u2019t change the city\u2019s dynamics, even though it did decades ago. But what if I tell you there are still towns that work around their central plaza? What if I told you that whole towns still gather in one place only and that their markets, Sunday masses, and concerts are held in this place and this place only? These are places where you can truly get to know how a whole town\u2019s lifestyle revolves around its plaza. It\u2019s not uncommon for towns all over Colombia to have this dynamic, but I\u2019ve decided to focus just on places near Bogot\u00e1 in compiling a list of the most beautiful and interesting plazas for you to visit and get to know this lifestyle I\u2019m talking about.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guadas'
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alexander Schimmeck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas<\/a> is a small town 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1, located northwest of the city, that is worth visiting because of its architecture, culture, and history! Its main plaza is called \u2018El Parque Principal\u2019 and it\u2019s surrounded by colonial architecture unique to this town. Guaduas was home to independence fighter Policarpa Salavarrieta<\/a> and served as a main connection from the Magdalena river<\/a> to Bogot\u00e1. Visiting Guaduas and its plaza is almost like traveling back in time, given its colonial vibe and aesthetic, making it a great place to escape to on a weekend!
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Guatavita's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by David Pardo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guatavita is a beautiful town located in<\/a> the northeast of Bogot\u00e1, about an hour and a half away from the city. It has colonial architecture throughout the whole town and all of it is painted white. Not only that, but it\u2019s home to an important lake, sacred to the indigenous tribes that used to live there (you can read more about here<\/a>). Guatavita is a great tourist destination with different activities to engage in and lots of sightseeing to do, some of which are covered in six reasons to visit Guatavita<\/a>. Its plaza concentrates on the vibe and aesthetic the town has throughout the surrounding buildings. The town\u2019s main chapel is located here and the bullfighting ring is not far away. Guatavita\u2019s magic can only be felt once you\u2019re there and Guatavita\u2019s plaza is no different, making it one of the best plazas you can visit near Bogot\u00e1.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Raquir\u00e1's
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Reg Natarajan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            R\u00e1quira<\/a> is a gorgeous place located in Boyac\u00e1, about 3.5 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. This beautiful town specializes in clay-related craftsmanship, and it has done so since ancient times. This crafting tradition, along with the vibrant colors and people you see in the streets, is a few of the reasons this town is a delight to visit and see for yourself. It\u2019s definitely one of Boyac\u00e1\u2019s greatest tourist destinations for a reason; here are other reasons to visit Boyac\u00e1 and the Christmas lights that go up in its towns during the holiday season<\/a>. R\u00e1quira\u2019s plaza is just as beautiful as the rest of the streets in this town. Vibrant colors, little clay crafts, and the beautiful chapel in the center are just some of the things that make it so special and beautiful. You\u2019ll have to visit R\u00e1quira yourself to find out what other things contribute to the plaza\u2019s and the town\u2019s beauty.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Jack Zalium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a> is one of Cundinamarca\u2019s biggest towns, so large that some call it a small city. It\u2019s located an hour away to the north of Bogot\u00e1. Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s main tourist attraction is its Salt Cathedral, a beautiful underground chapel made with salt, which you can read about more in six reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>! Out of all the plazas on this list, this one\u2019s the most similar to Bogot\u00e1\u2019s Plaza de Bol\u00edvar.\u201d They both combine gorgeous colonial architecture with modern buildings and lifestyles. Accompanied by the town\u2019s ever-moving lifestyle, history, and culture, this plaza is one to visit to get a feeling of what colonial plazas look like nowadays in our cities. This distinguishing mixture of modern and colonial vibes makes Zipaquir\u00e1\u2019s plaza one to be visited and felt for yourself.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \"best
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Alfredo y Paola Fan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Paipa<\/a> is a cozy town in Boyac\u00e1, about 3 hours away from Bogot\u00e1. It\u2019s home to El Pantano de Vargas<\/a> where one of the most important battles for the independence of our country took place. Paipa offers an authentic \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 experience, given that you can get \u2018ruanas\u2019 and \u2018almojabanas<\/a>\u2019 among other treats and souvenirs unique to this department. Paipa\u2019s plaza stands out for its beauty and historic importance and it is a microcosm of everything this town has to offer. All of this sums up to make this town\u2019s plaza experience a memorable one true to its \u2018Boyac\u00e1\u2019 vibe and aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t miss the chance to visit these plazas!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Guaduas, Guatavita, R\u00e1quira, Zipaquir\u00e1, and Paipa are all wonderful places to visit with family or friends. They have sights that are truly worth seeing and hidden experiences waiting for you! Their respective plazas are just another great way to visit and experience them in a special way. Remember that you can either rent a car<\/a> or buy bus tickets in transport terminals<\/a> to go to these places - they\u2019re all close but have different transport methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All of the plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1 listed above are amazing in their own way and offer unique vibes and lifestyles that you can only get to know by walking through them. That\u2019s what makes these places so special: the diversity of their traits and of the things they have to offer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Keep reading our articles at Colture<\/a> so you can keep discovering new places and activities in Bogot\u00e1, and don\u2019t forget to keep track of our new articles!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Plazas to visit near Bogot\u00e1: a journey into colonial urbanism","post_excerpt":"To get to know what a plaza is and how it can shape a city\u2019s lifestyle and aesthetic, visit Bogot\u00e1\u2019s plaza and those of other towns nearby!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"plazas-to-visit-near-bogota","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 16:31:16","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 21:31:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=6610","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4530,"post_author":"26","post_date":"2019-06-28 12:30:00","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-28 17:30:00","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just north of Bogot\u00e1 is one of Colombia\u2019s most unique attractions. Jaime Duque Park is a theme park unlike any other in Latin America. Although the park remains relatively unknown among tourists, exploring it is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon that you won\u2019t soon forget!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Heading north out of Bogot\u00e1, the hustle and bustle of the city quickly give way to more rural landscapes. Asphalt and brick buildings are replaced by the rolling hills, green pastures, and a smattering of small towns that make up the Colombian countryside. But suddenly and quite unexpectedly, the ornate teardrop dome of the Taj Mahal appears on the horizon. India\u2019s Taj Mahal is roughly 15.000 km from Bogot\u00e1, so what exactly is going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The answer is Jaime Duque Park. Thanks to one man\u2019s enigmatic dream, Colombia has its very own full-scale replica of India\u2019s fabled Taj Mahal sitting just thirty minutes north of Bogot\u00e1! The replica Taj Mahal is the centerpiece of Jaime Duque Park, a fascinating and sometimes baffling theme park that remains relatively unknown among tourists visiting Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bringing the world to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park was opened in 1983 by Jaime Duque, the first chief pilot of Colombia\u2019s national airline Avianca. By opening the park, Jaime Duque hoped to create a space where Colombian families could spend a relaxed afternoon experiencing and learning about the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The replica Taj Mahal is a perfect example of this \u2013 it allows visitors a glimpse into a far-off country that many people will never have the opportunity to visit firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Map
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Parque Jaime Duque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Spending an afternoon at Jaime Duque Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most iconic and visible structure in Jaime Duque Park<\/a>, but it is far from the most unusual or surprising. Much of the magic of the park comes from the seemingly-random assortment of attractions. For example, where else can you take a picture of a full-sized brontosaurus statue with the Taj Mahal in the background? Or snap a photo of flamingoes lounging in front of both an authentic naval transport ship and a replica pirate ship? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In some ways, my favorite part of my first visit to Jaime Duque Park was the fact that I didn\u2019t know what to expect. I had heard about the replica Taj Mahal and seen it from the highway, but I had no idea what other fascinating structures, exhibits, sculptures, and monuments were in the park. I spent a full afternoon wandering around and marveling at the odd combinations and juxtapositions that the park creates. Often times I found myself wondering \u201cWhy? Why is this here???\u201d but at the same time, I couldn\u2019t wait to see what lay around the next corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To give a taste of the absurdity that is Jaime Duque Park, some of my favorite attractions included replicas of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a recreation of Moscow\u2019s Red Square, life-sized dinosaur sculptures, and an extensive exhibit with dioramas showing the most significant events in human history from the evolution of man to the moon landing! In addition to its quirkier attractions, the park also contains a massive zoo housing animals from all over Colombia, Latin America, and the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Attraction
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Nathan Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Taking public transportation to Jaime Duque Park is both easy and economical. \u00a0First, head to the \u201cPortal del Norte\u201d Transmilenio<\/a> station. Exit the station and walk 5 minutes north until you arrive at a pedestrian bridge. Just past the bridge is a busy bus stop where colectivo buses constantly pick up and drop off passengers. Wait for a colectivo heading to Tocancip\u00e1. When you board, make sure to ask the driver or assistant to drop you off at Parque Jaime Duque<\/em>. The fare usually costs about 5.000 pesos (USD $1.50) per person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Entrance tickets for the park cost either 34.000 pesos (USD $10) for general admission or 45.000 pesos (USD $13) for a \u201cspecial\u201d ticket. The special ticket gives you access to a few extra attractions, including some train ride attractions that let you see the park from a different perspective. However, the general admission ticket gives you access to the vast majority of what the park has to offer. It is very easy to spend a full afternoon just visiting the general admission attractions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For other cool and similar plan read our article about Bogot\u00e1's Botanical Garden<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Jaime Duque Park is unlike any other theme park in Latin America. Visiting it is a great way to get off the beaten tourist path in Bogot\u00e1, and is likely to be an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Have you visited Jaime Duque Park? Comment below to share your favorite memories and be sure to follow my articles on colture.co<\/a> for more from Bogot\u00e1 and the surrounding area!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jaime Duque Park: a day trip to the Taj Mahal of Colombia","post_excerpt":"Jaime Duque Park is an amusement park and hidden gem just north of Bogot\u00e1. A day trip to the park is an experience you won\u2019t want to miss!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"jaime-duque-park","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-04 16:41:43","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-04 21:41:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4530","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":4173,"post_author":"25","post_date":"2019-06-14 09:30:12","post_date_gmt":"2019-06-14 14:30:12","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are looking for an excursion beyond the din of car horns in Bogot\u00e1, where you can recharge by a waterfall, eat by a crackling fire, see colorful birds perched in lush tree canopies, or take in the views like a sloth bear from a cave tucked into Eagle\u2019s Peak, then Parque Natural Chicaque is the place for you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            With seven different trails<\/a>, restaurants, creeks, zip lining and so much to see you could make your excursion a day trip or spend the whole weekend exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Misty Mountain Hop: What to know before you go <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When my wife and I decided to go to Parque Natural Chicaque with some friends we didn\u2019t really know what to expect. The research we had done amounted to us reading a review that said you could see sloth bears in the cloud forest, and with that, we had made our decision. With a miniscule amount of information, we headed off to find the Care Bears home of floating clouds filled with smiling sloth bears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Before you head off to the cloud forest know that the hike is not like Monserrate. This hike starts at the top and winds its way down, around, and across the mountains, and streams. The paths are not neat and orderly, they are steep, wild, and at times shrouded in foliage. Once you descend from the parking lot and get to the next trail map you can choose much easier hikes but remember when it\u2019s all said and done you have to head back up the mountain to leave. For those who are too tired to hike back, you can get driven back or take a horse. Don\u2019t forget to bring a canteen full of water, and plenty of bug spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            So, if like Led Zeppelin you decide, \u201cI\u2019m packing my bags for the Misty Mountains where the spirits go now, over the hills where the spirits fly\u201d be prepared and wear some shoes with good tread because misty mountains mean slick rocks!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Into the Mystic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are a lot of different trail options,<\/a> many of which will lead you down easier paths. We decided to head toward Eagle\u2019s Peak, but you could split off and see butterflies flitting through the air, or head down a flatter trek towards the waterfall. No matter which direction you choose you won\u2019t be disappointed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When, as Van Morrison says you have decided to, \u201clet your soul and spirit fly into the mystic\u201d take your time. Watch as the clouds perform their magic tricks, bringing the mountains in and out of existence. As the air ebbs and flows like the ocean tides, stand quietly while the birds; those hopeless romantics; serenade their mates. Let the smell of decaying leaves, and muddy creek banks permeate your senses. There is much that is missed by the hiker who rushes to the finish line, or those who blast their music along the way. Nature is meant to be digested. Digest it. Don\u2019t make nature digest you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fog
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If along the way you find that your stomach is pining to be refueled, as mine does every half-hour, not to worry. No matter which path you take you can always find your way to the restaurant in the valley, El Refugio<\/a>. Their exact menu isn\u2019t listed on the website but as far as I can remember nothing cost more than 24,000 pesos or around $9.00USD. Arboloco<\/a>, the restaurant near the parking lot is more expensive so you can use their menu<\/a> as a guide. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the Tired Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When you get into the valley, and find horses with their eyes half-closed, standing in patches of light on the outskirts of the restaurant and hotel, you may think, \u201cAll the tired horses in the sun how am I supposed to get any ridin\u2019 done?\u201d Someone tell Bob Dylan the answer is pretty simple, just give those horses a rest. Go sit by the crackling fire, order a few of the best arepas<\/a> near Bogota, some trucha, and some Club Colombia beers while the horses prepare themselves to carry more overweight tourists. After all, there are alpacas that need attention, and hammocks that will only hang listlessly until they are filled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Fireplace
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After our meal we hiked back to the parking lot, so we could beat the Sunday traffic back into the city. The traffic heading back to the city on a Sunday or holiday can be horrendous so plan accordingly. If you decide to turn your hike into a weekend trip they have multiple options for overnight guests. You can stay in the Refugio where they have the restaurant, stay in a cabin, camp out, or sleep like the animals in one of the parks \u201cnests<\/a>\u201d. The next time we go back we will be living like The Swiss Family Robinson in one of the nests. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you can\u2019t seem to talk any of your friends into driving you to the park you can still take public transportation<\/a>, and on the weekends you can even catch the Chicaque Express<\/a>. Parque Natural Chicaque has so much to offer. You can be like Clint Eastwood and ride a horse into the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by @ Javier Ciberalia on Flickr \/\u00a9 Photograph by Zachary Tamer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you like high flying adventure you can zip line<\/a> over the Magdelina valley, or rappel down from the canopy<\/a>. You may even get to see a wild cat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The next time you are walking the streets of Bogota and feel a bit, \u201cTookish\u201d and you yearn to \u201csee the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick\u201d hit the road like a Baggins and head off to Parque Natural Chicaque for your next great adventure<\/a>. Make sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To know about another similar plan read our article about Parque Natural Chingaza<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> and follow us on social media<\/a> for more great information about Bogota, the bustling city shrouded by the Andes.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Connect with nature near Bogot\u00e1 in Parque Natural Chicaque","post_excerpt":"Parque Natural Chicaque is just an hour away from Bogota. Read on to find out how you can spend a day with your head in the clouds.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"parque-natural-chicaque","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-03 16:52:46","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-03 21:52:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=4173","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2963,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2019-03-20 08:00:23","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-20 13:00:23","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you want to breathe the purest air, photograph deer,\nand learn the importance of the p\u00e1ramo for Bogot\u00e1, you have to go to Chingaza\nNatural National Park. If you\u2019re lucky enough, you might meet the most popular\nguy in the area: the Andean bear.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npurest air, joyful deer, and stunning p\u00e1ramo landscapes can all be found an\nhour and a half or so from Bogot\u00e1. Where exactly? At the Chingaza Natural\nNational Park. If you are thinking of a full day plan to connect with nature or\nyou want to add some ideas to your \u201cThings to do near Bogot\u00e1\u201d list, I truly\nrecommend this visit to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here are four reasons why you should book a getaway to this place as\nsoon as you finish this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nlandscapes <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When visiting the\np\u00e1ramo zone, you feel like you are embraced by the mountains. The flora is rich\nand diverse, the color of every landscape varies depending on the light and\nrain, and the immenseness and beauty of the place really grounds you. It happens especially at the Alto de la\nMina de Palacio, one of the highest points in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Alto
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz - Alto de la Mina de Palacio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Alto de la Mina de Palacio \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\nanimals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Don\u2019t you like to see cute animal videos? At Chingaza, you\ncan watch them live and in person. The most common ones to find are the playful\ndeer that graze and frolic through the p\u00e1ramo. Different kind of birds can be\nseen as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Deers
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are lucky enough, you could meet the most popular\nguy in this zone: the imposing Andean bear. Like many other species, this\nwonderful animal is endangered; one of the reasons Chingaza is a Natural\nNational Park is to protect it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Andean
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Giovanny Pulido - Minga Expeditions. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Even if you don\u2019t get to see the\nAndean bear, you might sense its presence or stumble upon some of its\nfootprints <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Even
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The\npeace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            You probably love Bogot\u00e1, but that doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t want to escape from its fast pace sometimes;<\/a> which is normal for everyone who is accustomed to big cities. At Chingaza, you will find peace. Its silence and the breeze that sways every plant and every flower will reconnect you with your inner self. It\u2019s a relaxing experience in more than one sense of the word. It calms not just your brain, but your soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            An important part of the water we\nget in Bogot\u00e1 comes from Chingaza. It\u2019s an interesting fact even when you don\u2019t\nsee it, but when you are there and realize how important this place is for our\ndaily life, you get to appreciate it even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Maintaining\nresponsible consumption of the water is one way to take care of Chingaza. Since\nI went there, I can\u2019t avoid thinking of this place every time I open the tap or\ntake a shower. Every experience that makes us more aware about our environment\nis sure a great experience, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Embalse
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez - Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Embalse de Chuza (Chuza Dam) \u00a9\nPhotograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There is no public transportation to the park. If you want to go by yourself, you must do it in a private car. You can get there from Bogot\u00e1 through La Calera<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u00a9 Google Maps<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Basic information:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. If you want to go by yourself, you have to do an entrance request 15 days in advance before going to the park. You should write an email to reservas.ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co\u00a0 or call 3532400 ext. 3011 and 3012. You can also go the office (Calle 74 # 11-81) in Bogot\u00e1. <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. If you want to stay at the hostel in Chingaza or go camping (or take food or use tour guide services), please communicate with Corpochingaza<\/a>, the community ecotourism corporation of the park (cell phone number: 3508044199). <\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I went with Minga Expeditions<\/a> on its #D\u00edaDeVenados (#DayOfDeer) tour. They take care of everything (transportation, food, park entrance, tour guides, etc.). Their approach to the place is based on respect and care. I loved the experience and truly recommend it! <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What\nto bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It\u2019s important to wear warm and comfortable clothes. If you have trekking boots, that would be best, although a good pair of sneakers will work too. The altitude can affect certain people, so Minga Expedition recommends to have some snacks, such as chocolate or cereal (I took fruits, water, and sports drinks in my bag). It might be rainy, so a raincoat might be helpful as well. Sunscreen is also vital! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In any case, the best tip I can\ngive you for your visit is the following: do\nnot leave any kind of trash at the park! <\/strong>Take everything with you when you\nleave and throw it away in your trash can when you get back to Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you excited about Chingaza? Let me know if you\ndecided to go after reading this article (it would make me really happy)! Have\nyou already been there? Please tell me about your experience in the comments\nsection below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other spectacular places to visit near to Bogot\u00e1 such as Chicaque Natural Park<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social\nmedia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are\nyou a local business? Get in\ncontact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Chingaza: the kingdom of the Andean bear is close to Bogot\u00e1","post_excerpt":"Close to Bogot\u00e1, you can find a place where there are p\u00e1ramo landscapes, water, deer, pure air, and peace. It\u2019s called Chingaza National Park. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chingaza","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-09-23 17:03:30","post_modified_gmt":"2019-09-23 22:03:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2963","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":2792,"post_author":"17","post_date":"2019-03-08 08:38:39","post_date_gmt":"2019-03-08 13:38:39","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to other\ncities, towns and cool places that you can easily visit! Within just a few\nhours, you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing\nspectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities. Among\nthese places, Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a\nbit!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have to be honest and declare how extremely excited I am about this article because my family owns a house in Suesca and I've been going there my whole life, which pretty much means I'm a bit biased. There\u2019s just something magical about Suesca and I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s because of the landscapes, the air, the sky, the peace you feel, or just because it\u2019s an important part of my existence. If you are into outdoor sports and nature, Suesca is the perfect place to go near Bogot\u00e1 (read our article about other places near Bogot\u00e1 to visit and stay<\/a>). It\u2019s mostly known for its gigantic climbing rocks, but even if you are not a rock climber, there are tons of things to do, tons of things to see, and tons of adventures to have! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Basics\nof Suesca and how to get there <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is a town of about 17,000 people, located 59 km north of the capital of Colombia, Bogot\u00e1<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Maps
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are in Bogot\u00e1,\nSuesca is just an hour drive, so it\u2019s very easy and practical to go. Because it\ndoesn\u2019t take very long to get there, you don\u2019t have to stay overnight, as you\ncan always go back on the same day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              My recommendation is to go by car or bus, and if you feel more adventurous, you can even bike (read here<\/a> to know about bike rentals and here<\/a> to read about car rental) or run the 60 km till you reach the town (I know people that have done it before!). If you are taking a car, you have two options: route Autopista Norte<\/a> (North Highway) or through Carrera S\u00e9ptima (Seventh Avenue), which, at the outskirts of Bogot\u00e1, connects to the highway as well. You can hop on a bus (like the ones from Flota Alianza<\/a>) that departs from the North Bus Terminal<\/a> (located at Calle 192 # 19-43) for around $7.000 COP ($2.23 USD) one-way. Once you get there and depending on what you are doing, you can hop off just before entering the town, which is also the entrance to the climbing rocks and there are hostels and restaurants around there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is cold as Bogot\u00e1, so you\u2019ll have to take warm clothes that will keep you cozy. There are also other places near the city that are warmer, so read our article about them<\/a> to know more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The\ntop five things to do in Suesca<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve tried to condense my favorites down to five so it\u2019s easier for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing (shout out to the rock climbing lovers, I\u2019m with you, my friends!)  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Climbing
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As I mentioned, Suesca is\nvery popular if you want to do some rock climbing, rappelling, or bouldering.\nThere are approximately four kilometers of natural rocks, which makes sense\nbecause\u201cSuesca\u201d actually means rock bird! Also, these rocks have been witness to\nsome of the most famous Colombian rock climbers for decades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Rock climbing is a great\nsport, not only because it\u2019s good for your physical health, but also because it\nteaches you to really concentrate on a specific objective or target. It\u2019s also\na social sport, where you can meet a lot of cool people that share your same\npassion!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The main entrance to the rocks is just about one kilometer before town and once you get there, you have to walk along the train tracks for about ten minutes. Don\u2019t worry, the train only passes once per day (and very early), so it\u2019s pretty safe. The entrance to the rocks is free, unless you are going on an organized tour or camping trip. Also, if you bring your own equipment, you\u2019ll save some costs, though you can always rent if you need to (shoes, ropes, carabiners, harnesses, etc). Head to El N\u00f3mada Hostel<\/a>, where you can rent the equipment for about $7,000 COP ($2.23 USD) to $50,000 COP ($16 USD), depending on the item.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A rock-climbing course for amateurs costs around $450,000 COP ($155 USD) for two days and includes all the equipment and the guide. You can do it with El N\u00f3mada Hostel or with Vamonos Pal' Monte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Outdoor and extreme sports <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The rush of energy and the fun you\u2019ll have doing outdoor sports on the beautiful lands of Suesca is something remarkable. And there are activities for all ages and interests. From kayaking on the Bogot\u00e1 River to mountain biking and rappelling, Suesca offers everything! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Close to the main entrance to the rocks, there are tons of tours, hostels, and restaurants that offer a variety of outdoor sports. Remember that if you go in a group, you can save some of the costs. Take a look at Viajes Ox\u00edgeno<\/a>\u2019s web page to see the different packages they offer, some of which are speleology, rappelling, and rafting. Costs vary between $100,000 COP ($32 USD) and $250,000 COP ($80 USD), depending on what you are doing and the number of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do some trekking through beautiful lands and enjoy the landscape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Sunrise
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Jos\u00e9 Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Nothing like spending a\ncouple of hours walking through the beautiful landscapes that Suesca offers\n(not only the rocks, the mountains as well). I can\u2019t describe the peace and\nfresh air you feel out there, but I assure you that is something worth doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are several traveling companies and hostels that offer very nice, guided trekking around Suesca, and though you can always go by yourself, it\u2019s better to go with someone who knows these vast lands very well. For a two hour trek, you only have to pay around $15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) at most of the hostels or tour companies (such as Viajes Ox\u00edgeno).<\/g><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Try the food in the best restaurants around Ricapizza<\/a>. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Not just because it\u2019s very\ngood food, but also because after a long day of outdoor fun, it\u2019s always nice\nto have a well-deserved feast! The hospitality of the people there is something\nremarkable as well! Ricapizza is located to the right of the main road that\nleads to the town entrance, next to the rock entrance. Don\u2019t worry about\ngetting lost, everything is pretty close and easy to find!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Food costs vary between\n$15,000 COP ($4.70 USD) and $50,000 COP ($16 USD) in Ricapizza. There are\ncheaper places where you can also enjoy very nice food, but Ricapizza is\noutstanding and I\u2019ve been going there my whole life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Experience glamping at Niddo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Glamping (glamorous camping) has been increasing in popularity over the years. It's a very interesting experience where you stay in the woods, but with an actual bed and many other amenities. In my opinion, Niddo<\/a> is the best place to have this experience, and though it\u2019s a little bit expensive, it\u2019s definitely worth it. Stay in the woods and have amazing food, coffee, good massages, and many other activities like rock climbing, yoga, mountain trekking, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It costs around $360,000\nCOP ($86 USD) per night. To get there, you'll need a car or a taxi. Once you\narrive at the main entrance of the town, turn right and follow the road for\nabout four kilometers uphill; you'll see Niddo's entrance on the left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              One last\nrecommendation: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember\nthat Suesca is a natural destination, meaning that whatever you do, you have to\nbe careful and leave everything just as you find it. Respect the landscape by\nnot throwing any trash or leaving any kind of marks that can destroy the\necosystem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Path
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Sof\u00eda Machado<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suesca is my favorite place in the entire world, and whenever I go there, I just feel peace and tranquility. It's really perfect to disconnect from urban life; it's a place to think, reflect, and enjoy. I hope the information I\u2019ve given you is useful whenever you want to go (you can visit me as well!) And besides being a different and fun experience, you\u2019ll also get a taste of how beautiful Colombia is! Safe travels my friends!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For other really cool destinations, check our article about Villa de Leyva <\/a>here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Was this article useful? Do you know other cool facts about Suesca? Or maybe an experience you would like to share? Please share and\/or comment on this article, and visit our homepage Colture<\/a> to take a look at my articles and many others to find more essential information about Bogot\u00e1 before and during your trip.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places near Bogot\u00e1: Suesca, a wonderful place for you to visit!","post_excerpt":"An amazing thing about Bogot\u00e1 is its proximity to cool places that you can easily visit! Suesca is a great choice if you want to escape the city for a bit! ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"suesca","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-03-03 09:52:19","post_modified_gmt":"2020-03-03 14:52:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=2792","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1051,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-14 13:00:51","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-14 18:00:51","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. It\u2019s an experience full of nature, delicious food and even magic that you won\u2019t forget.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/h2><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Average temperature: <\/strong>14 degrees Celsius. centigrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 73 km from Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes \u2013 1 hour 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do I get there? <\/strong>There are three options to get to the town:  through Autopista Norte, v\u00eda La Calera<\/a> (La Calera route) or Autopista Sop\u00f3 (Sopo highway). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogot\u00e1<\/a> (Transport Terminal of Bogota)  website<\/a> can help you find the bus companies that go to Guatavita<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To the lagoon:<\/h3>\nIf you go by car:\n\nTake the Autopista Norte (north highway<\/a>)<\/a>, and when you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9<\/a>, go towards Guatavita<\/a>. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges on the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price to the town: <\/strong>COP $8,800 \/ USD $2,8 (approximately).\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The delicious food: <\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen I went to Guatavita, I had lunch in a very typical and nice restaurant called Don Pas. There, I had one of the most traditional dishes of the town: la trucha (the trout). It was huge and I almost couldn\u2019t finish it, but it was so good that I made an extra effort to eat it all. If you like to please your palate, you have reason to come to this town. Besides the trout, you can also have Mute, a soup with different type of meats, Cuchuco, another soup in which the main ingredient is the wheat, or lamb. There are some drinks<\/a> you can also enjoy there: the corn Chicha and the Masato, which is made of corn and ibias, a kind of tuber. If you don\u2019t know what a tuber is, think of one of the most common foods in the world (potatoes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\"Places\r\n\r\n\u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez\r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2. The Guatavita lagoon:\r\n<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon) is a must see go in Colombia. It\u2019s funny because it\u2019s not located in Guatavita but in Sesquil\u00e9. There are three things I like about this experience. First of all, if you want to get to the lagoon, you have to walk a route that is surrounded by an amazing landscape. Second, the lagoon is absolutely beautiful. Three, some sources point out the Laguna de Guatavita as the place where the El Dorado<\/a> myth started. Isn\u2019t that cool? After you visit the lagoon, I recommend you visit Guatavita, the town, to have the whole experience. This is a full day plan, but you can also stay if you want to enjoy the town to the fullest.\n\n\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3. You will learn about history: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe Museo Ind\u00edgena<\/a> (Indigenous Museum) offers information about the Pre-hispanic times and it will help you understand the history of this territory. It has two rooms: in one of them, you\u2019ll learn about the rite around the lagoon that helped to create El Dorado myth. In the second one, there are ceramics and utensils related to the Chibcha culture. It\u2019s worth the visit if you want to know more about Guatavita\u00b4s fascinating past!\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \r\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4. The crafts are beautiful: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nThe town is known for its crafts and the artisans that offer their work at the Craft Center. Scarves, caps, gloves, sweaters\u2026 you can find a lot of traditional crochet clothing in Guatavita. They are made with acrylic yarn or with virgin wool and they are so colorful and look so comfy that you won\u2019t probably won\u2019t be able to resist buying something.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5. The picturesque architecture:<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGuatavita has a nice vibe and that\u2019s because of its architecture. It sets you in the colonial times and it has some details that serves as a reminder of its Pre-hispanic heritage as well. However, it wasn\u2019t always like this. The town you will visit is often called the new Guatavita because the old one that existed from the 15th<\/sup> century disappeared under the water during the Sixties.\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How did it happen? In order to build the Tolim\u00e9 dam for the purpose of improving the economy of the Bogot\u00e1 savannah, it was necessary to flood Guatavita. That happened around the year 1967.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A new town was built and the inhabitants were relocated there. The spirit of the old town was still alive in certain details such as the white houses, clay tiles and wooden doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Outdoor activities are within easy reach: <\/strong><\/h2>\r\nHorseback riding, camping, ecological walks, paragliding and other outdoor activities are an option here. Some of them can be done near the embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 reservoir) and others on the reservoir such as windsurfing and sport fishing. You can also go to the Cerro Montecillo y Montecilla (Montecillo and Montecilla hill) and walk up to its peak to have a beautiful view of the town.\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Guatavita and enjoy its nice vibe? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: six reasons to visit Guatavita","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to the Guatavita lagoon or to Guatavita, the town, I\u2019ll give you six reasons to do it. One of the most amazing places around Bogot\u00e1!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"guatavita","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-05-27 17:00:33","post_modified_gmt":"2019-05-27 22:00:33","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1051","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1018,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-10-02 12:50:30","post_date_gmt":"2018-10-02 17:50:30","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of you have probably heard about El Dorado myth, a fantastic city in America where, according to aboriginals, everything was made of gold. Many of the colonizers who heard about it, moved by ambition, undertook dangerous adventures just to find this magical spot. In my third visit to Colombia, I found out that it\u2019s likely this myth started in a place very close to Bogot\u00e1: Guatavita.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The first time I heard, or read, about El Dorado, I was a little child in Venezuela. According to that first version of the story, the colonizers were absolutely amazed by the golden pieces that decorated the aboriginal bodies.\nWhen they asked them how it was possible to have so much gold, the aboriginals said there was a place where everything was made of gold.  It was implied in this first version that I heard (or read, I can\u2019t remember now) that aboriginals were truly aware this place didn\u2019t exist but wanted to get rid of these inquisitive foreigners as soon as they could.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The history behind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Moved by ambition, many colonizers undertook risky adventures and crossings just to find this magical place. They never found it, of course, and many of them lost their lives in their eagerness to find it in this land full of unknown diseases and dangerous roads. Although it was never seen (or maybe, because of that), El Dorado captivated adventurers for a very long time, including my child imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Once I was an adult, I got interested in El Dorado again. It was in my third trip to Colombia, when I was invited to visit the Laguna de Guatavita<\/a> (Guatavita lagoon). Our touristic guide told us that this lagoon was the scene of an ancient Muisca<\/a> ceremony which helped to create El Dorado myth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It was like that:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The Cacique -name used for the heads of all indigenous tribes- was covered in gold dust and was placed on a raft which had many treasures and precious stones on it. When he was in the middle of the lagoon, these pieces were thrown at the bottom of the waters as an offering to their gods. According to all sources that I consulted, the balsa muisca (Muisca raft) - the most famous piece of the Museo del Oro <\/a>(Gold Museum)- is a representation of this rite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I don\u2019t know if it was because of the story, but I felt the magic that emanates from the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon). Although it\u2019s not as fantastic as a place where everything is made of gold, it\u2019s fascinating how these rites and beliefs are still able to excite our imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you haven\u2019t been to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita lagoon), you have to go and feel the El Dorado vibe yourself! Here are some recommendations and information from Colparques<\/a> -an organization that promotes the Colombian Natural Parks- so you can enjoy your visit to the fullest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go by car: by the Autopista Norte (north highway, one of the main streets in Bogot\u00e1<\/a>), you reach the detour of Sesquil\u00e9 and then go towards Guatavita. The lagoon is 8 kilometers down the road that emerges to the left after skirting the Embalse de Tomin\u00e9 (Tomin\u00e9 dam). The other option is to take a tour because it\u2019s not easy to get there on public transportation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"El
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Google Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Price of the entrance ticket to the park (for foreigners)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                               <\/strong>COP $17,500 \/ USD $6 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When to go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tuesdays to Sundays and Holiday Mondays. From 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What to bring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              They recommend a first aid kit, a cap, warm clothing and waterproof boots. I would add that you should bring a lot of energy and have a decent physical condition because the hike to the lagoon can be a bit challenging. If you want to bring some snacks, that would be fine, as long as you don\u2019t leave any waste at the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you go to the Laguna de Guatavita (Guatavita Lagoon), please visit Guatavita<\/a>, the town, as well. There you can enjoy its typical architecture, its crafts and its delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Do you know other facts from El Dorado Myth? When did you first hear about this myth? Have you visited the Guatavita lagoon? I would like to know! Please share your experiences in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on Colombia history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"El Dorado Myth: a story that started in Guatavita","post_excerpt":"Have you heard about El Dorado myth? A fantastic city in America where everything was made of gold. Do you want to know more? Keep reading!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"el-dorado-myth","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-01-30 16:37:04","post_modified_gmt":"2020-01-30 21:37:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1018","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1003,"post_author":"14","post_date":"2018-09-28 16:14:36","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-28 21:14:36","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I\u2019ve visited Zipaquir\u00e1 many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven\u2019t been there, you\u2019re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1) The train trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going to Zipaquir\u00e1 is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de la Sabana<\/a> (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogot\u00e1 Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it\u2019s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it\u2019s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquir\u00e1, you\u2019ll already have had an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The train takes off from the Estaci\u00f3n de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a>, La Caro, Cajic\u00e1, then Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              2) The Salt Cathedral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nYou don\u2019t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also\ntell the story behind the Cathedral construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Tickets cost COP $34.000 \/ USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 \/ USD $8.60 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              3) The miners route<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nThe Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it\u2019s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You\u2019ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Places
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Joanna Ruiz M\u00e9ndez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              4) It could be a cultural experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nIf you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquir\u00e1: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second\none, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you\u2019re into books, you must know that Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez - 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner - lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquir\u00e1 and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              5) You can satisfy your palate<\/strong> Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner<\/a> and Zipaquir\u00e1 is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco<\/a> -potato soup, Sancocho \u2013soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almoj\u00e1banas \u2013a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquir\u00e1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              6) It\u2019s close to Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \nCartagena, Ca\u00f1o Cristales, Parque Tayrona\u2026 Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can\u2019t afford to visit all these touristic places you\u2019ll be happy to know that Zipaquir\u00e1 is very close to the capital. You won\u2019t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The basics:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How far? <\/strong>Approximately 48 km from the city<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How long? <\/strong>Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How to get there?\u00a0<\/strong>You can book your trip with the Tren Tur\u00edstico de La Sabana<\/a>. The round trip costs COP $58.000 \/ USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 \/ USD $16 for elders and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you\u2019ll find buses that go to Zipaquir\u00e1. Some of them have a sign that says: \u201cZipa\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bus price: <\/strong>COP $2,800 \/ USD $1 (approximately).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you ready to visit Zipaquir\u00e1 and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get in contact with us to be featured on our website! Sources:<\/strong> Colombia Travel<\/a>, Alcald\u00eda de Zipaquir\u00e1<\/a>, Catedral de Sal<\/a>, Zipaquir\u00e1 Travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Places around Bogot\u00e1: 6 reasons to visit Zipaquir\u00e1","post_excerpt":"If you haven\u2019t been to Zipaquir\u00e1, what are you waiting for? I\u2019ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"zipaquira","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:53:48","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:53:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=1003","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":993,"post_author":"15","post_date":"2018-09-25 13:00:22","post_date_gmt":"2018-09-25 18:00:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              La Calera is a place where people relax from Bogot\u00e1. You will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay. Here, I give you a few of them!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Whether you are going for a relaxing weekend from the city of Bogot\u00e1 or just going for an extreme sport<\/a>s trip with an amazing landscape, La Calera<\/a> is my first option because it\u2019s so close to Bogot\u00e1 (about 40 min). There are multiple roads to get there, so traffic isn\u2019t an excuse and the cost will vary depending on the transportation you go for.\u00a0 I normally use Uber and return to the city on a public bus.\u00a0\u00a0 The total round-trip is around 48.000 COP, which is approx. $16 USD. Regarding the weather, it\u2019s normally cold, but because of where it\u2019s located, you will find time when it isn\u2019t too cold to do some extreme sports or even go to a waterfall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the landscape of La Calera, there are diverse options for visitors to stay: hostels, cabins, camping, hotels and even crazy places like a bus, which you can find on Airbnb, are available. So go ahead and keep reading to figure out which place is best suited for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: This year the Mayor has been working on the expansion of the road Bogot\u00e1-Sop\u00f3, so be aware of the traffic that you could encounter find.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \"Where
                                                                                                                                                                                              \u00a9 Photograph by Shadowxfox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For backpackers and adventurers!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are looking for a place to sleep for a low cost, a hostel is the right choice for you. In La Calera, you will find an infinite number of places, including some with themed decorations. Everything will depend on the reason you are visiting. For example: if you want a private room with a romantic vibe for you and your partner, I recommend Hostal San Rafael<\/a>, which has an amazing view of the reservoir and delicious homemade foods. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a different experience or continue your adventurous trip, you can find themed hostels on Airbnb where you can stay on a bus<\/a>, a car or even inside a plane<\/a> (all restored with the basic accommodations, obviously!) or places to go camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: If you like to bike or ride motorcycles, La Calera is the perfect place to do it, especially on Sundays!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For groups or family vacations!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              On the internet you can find many places where to stay, like cabins, hotels and Airbnbs, where many of them not only offer a room, but also other services, like transportation, firepits, bbq, pools and outdoor activities into the forest and waterfalls, which is a great deal for groups. But if you ask me, in addition to an all-included package, I prefer a beautiful cabin on the mountain, where you can do anything in the time you have, without taking time away from the things that you normally do on vacation. And also it\u2019s cheaper than a hotel! What I like about renting an entire place is that you have a big list to choose from: you can stay in a regular wood cabin<\/a> or maybe if you want to encourage your kids to be among nature and try a new experience, renting a treehouse<\/a> should be your choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For romantics and honeymooners!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Looking for relaxing days surrounded by a mountainous landscape? La Calera has places to stay where you and your partner can be perfectly spoiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Maybe you are looking for luxurious accommodation. If you are, you should visit \u201cLa Casa del Agua<\/a>\u201d (The Water House). They offer spa and breakfast in bed, and even special decoration for any celebration. If you are not into luxury things and want a more Colombian home-like experience in a magical colonial architecture house, there is the famous \u201cObservatorio de Colibr\u00edes<\/a>\u201d (Hummingbirds Observatory) where you can wake up surrounded by more than 14 free hummingbirds species, all while having a homemade breakfast in your bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Quick Tip: Colombia is the country that has the most hummingbirds species in the world! So whether you choose to sleep here or not, it\u2019s still a reason for tourists to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I hope you find what you were looking for for your weekend break!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We personally love to visit La Calera. I use anything for an excuse to go on weekends with friends, family or with my husband to enjoy the weather in a cozy place (like I mentioned before) and eat at one of my favorite meat restaurants, El Tambor<\/a>, before going back to Bogot\u00e1. Going to La Calera is a must if you are in Bogot\u00e1!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              If you want to know more places near Bogot\u00e1, you have to read these\narticles: Places to Visit and Stay Near Bogot\u00e1 Places Near Bogot\u00e1: Escape the cold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Remember that Bogot\u00e1 is in an amazing location, so you can find places with cold and hot weather in its surroundings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now, do you know where you should stay in La Calera? Comment below which one will you go for or if you know any place to recommend to us and share it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Subscribe in our newsletter <\/a>and follow us on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you a local business? Get\nin touch with us to be featured on our website!<\/p>\n","post_title":"Where to stay in Bogot\u00e1: meet La Calera!","post_excerpt":"When you think where to stay think about La Calera, a place where you will find many outdoor activities and amazing places to stay.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"la-calera","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-08-14 16:51:15","post_modified_gmt":"2019-08-14 21:51:15","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/colture.co\/?p=993","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_23"};

                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses

                                                                                                                                                                                            Getting out the city

                                                                                                                                                                                            We know that Bogotá can get pretty hectic as the big and sprawling capital that it's. And, while living here is amazingly enjoyable, it's also normal to seek other places and towns to get out of the city for a bit, have some rest, and restart with the right foot on urban lands!Bogotá has the pleasure to be very well located for all these types of "getting out of the city" plans which you can do on the weekends or for a day. Within a few hours, there are several places you can choose from depending on what you want. Fancy going to an amusement park and a zoo just 45 minutes away from the city? Or maybe hiking for a few hours in one of the most (an unique) ecosystems (páramos) you'll ever experience? What about having a "rock climbing retreat" for a couple of days just one hour away from the city? Well, Bogotá's location offers all these possibilities and much more. Now you know you can have tons of different experiences while also witnessing spectacular landscapes, interesting cultures, and awesome activities.Read more about it in this category!

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                                                                                                                                                                                            Colture - See places through the happiness glasses